SHALDAG-class vessels were initially launched in 1990. Credit: Oded Breyer.
The patrol boats are offered by Israel Shipyards Limited (ISL). Credit: Israel Defense Forces.
The maximum speed of SHALDAG-class is more than 40k. Credit: Oded Breyer.

The SHALDAG-Class fast patrol boats (FPBs) are built by Israel Shipyards Limited (ISL) to meet the challenging coastal security requirements of navies across the globe.

Also deployable by the coast guard and border police units, the patrol boat is specifically designed to offer immediate response and a high-speed interception during emergency situations.

The SHALDAG-class can support a range of missions such as maritime patrol, interception of terrorist activities, drug trafficking, prevention of illegal immigration and search-and-rescue (SAR) operations.

SHALDAG-Class FPBs, including the SHALDAG MK II and SHALDAG MK V, were exhibited at EURONAVAL 2018 event held in Paris in October 2018.

SHALDAG-class orders and deliveries

Argentina placed an order with ISL for the supply of four SHALDAG MK II boats in December 2016. The first two vessels were delivered to the Prefectura Naval Argentina (Argentina Coast Guard) in April 2018.

Senegal placed an order for four Shaldag Mk II boats and first two boats were delivered by the end of 2019. Israel Shipyards commenced the sea trials of third SHALDAG Mk II patrol boat, which is expected to be delivered to the Senegalese Navy in the third quarter of 2020.

Philippine Navy announced its plans to acquire eight SHALDAG-class fast patrol boats in July 2020. Four vessels will be built by Israel Shipyards, while the remaining will be built at Naval Base Cavite yard.

The FPB is also in service with the Israeli Navy (Israeli Sea Corps), Azerbaijani Navy, Sri Lanka Navy, Nigerian Navy, Cyprus Port and Marine Police and the Equatorial Guinea Navy.

SHALDAG-class fast patrol boat design

The fast patrol boat features a deep-V hull and superstructure made of welded marine aluminium alloy. Its design offers low resistance and superior seakeeping characteristics, including very low slamming in rough seas.

The hull is partitioned into six parts, including a forepeak, accommodation compartment, ammunition store and sanitary areas, engine room, auxiliary room and steering compartment.

The very shallow draft of the boat ensures operations near the shore or beach. Crew movement at all speeds is assisted by the dry dock on the vessel.

The SHALDAG-class boat is designed to carry between ten and 14 personnel onboard based on its configuration. It can also carry optional payloads, including a rescue boat or an FPB.

SHALDAG-class variants

The SHALDAG-class is available in three versions, SHALDAG MK II, SHALDAG MK III/IV, and SHALDAG MK V.

“Also deployable by the coast guard and border police units, the patrol boat is specifically designed to offer immediate response and a high-speed interception during emergency situations.”

The SHALDAG MK II has an overall length of 24.8m, a maximum beam of 6m and a maximum draft of 1.15m. It has the capacity to carry eight to ten crew members and can travel up to 650nm at a standard speed of 33k. The endurance of SHALDAG MK II is four days.

The SHALDAG MK III/IV is 26.7m long and 6m wide, while it has a maximum draft of 1.2m. The variant can achieve a range of up to 700nm without any mid supplies and can last up to four days at sea. The maximum crew-carrying capacity of the variant is 12.

The SHALDAG MK V is an advanced variant compared to the other two variants in terms of performance and physical attributes. It has an overall length of 31.2m, a draft of 1.25m and moulded beam of 6.4m.

The maximum endurance and range of the vessel are six days and 1,000nm respectively. The boat can carry up to 14 crew members.

The displacements of the SHALDAG MK II, MK III/IV and MK V variants are 58t, 64t and 95t respectively.

Armament

The fast patrol boat can be armed with a 23mm-25mm TYPHOON automatic gun, two 12.7mm or 7.62mm MINI-TYPHOON heavy machine guns and other manually operated guns of similar configuration.

It can also carry up to eight short-range anti-ship missiles to engage targets at sea or on the coastline.

Navigation and sensor systems on board SHALDAG-class

The integrated navigation system on board the vessel includes a laser range-finder, high-definition cameras, thermal imaging equipment and a control console with 15in multi-functional displays.

The sensor suite integrates an X-band surface search radar and Rafael TOPLITE or IAI POP electro-optical system (EOS) for surveillance and fire control during day and night.

Propulsion and performance

The SHALDAG-class FPB is powered by two independently operated MTU diesel engines of 16V2000 or 12V4000 type. The engines propel two MJP 550DD or 650DD water jets.

The SHALDAG MK II has a maximum speed of 45k, while the SHALDAG III/IV and SHALDAG V can achieve maximum speeds of 43k and 40k respectively. The vessels can also carry 13,000l of fuel and 1,000l of fresh water.